Hvac modular uniform duct system and method of use

ABSTRACT

A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) duct system which includes, at least in part, one or more modular, uniform, pre-manufactured duct elements having a uniform takeoff on one or more sides for connecting to a run to be connected to an air diffuser at the end. Each of the modular duct elements may include a built-in hanger support element so that the engineer merely has to design a very simple modular run of duct elements without unnecessary computations requiring different duct sizes. It also makes it simple and uniform for installing on site.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a heating, air-conditioning,and ventilation (HVAC) duct element and method for use thereof, and morespecifically to a modular, uniform HVAC duct element for use in HVACsystems.

2. Description of the Related Art

Typically, when designing an HVAC duct system, engineers must carefullycalculate the size and position of duct work for optimal air flowthrough the system. This design is based upon the need for air to reachall areas of a building. However, many times such design isover-engineered and unnecessary, where a standard and uniform modularHVA duct system would provide adequate airflow without requiringdifferent sized ductworks and size-engineering thereof.

Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for an HVACduct system with the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a heating, ventilation, andair-conditioning (HVAC) duct system which includes, at least in part,one or more modular, uniform, pre-manufactured duct elements having auniform takeoff on one or more sides for connecting to a run to beconnected to an air diffuser at the end. Each of the modular ductelements may include a built-in hanger support element so that theengineer merely has to design a very simple modular run of duct elementswithout unnecessary computations requiring different duct sizes. It alsomakes it simple and uniform for installing on site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating variousobjects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional isometric view of an HVAC duct element ofa preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention as it would be used in a typical environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. Introduction andEnvironment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosedherein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects aremerely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart how to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description forconvenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up,down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientatedin the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly”refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometriccenter of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof.Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction oftravel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the wordsspecifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similarmeaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Uniform Modular HVAC Duct System 2

FIGS. 1-4 show a single modular HVAC duct element 4 which includes auniform, pre-manufactured piece of ductwork 6 with at least one takeoff8 located uniformly on each of such duct elements 4. These duct elements4 can be connected together as shown in FIG. 5 to form an entire HVACduct system 2 wherein each of several such duct elements 4.1, 4.2, 4.3are jointed together to create a duct network. Each duct element 4.1,4.2, 4.3 are uniform and identical, with the same takeoff 8 numbers andlocations. A hanger element 10 can be built into each of the ductelements 4 to help hang the duct in a uniform manner.

As shown in FIG. 1 , in a preferred embodiment the height 14 and width16 would be uniform and the length 18 would be as well from one ductelement 4 to the next, e.g. 4.1, 4.2, 4.3. The takeoff 8 is shown in thedirect center of the length of the element.

As shown in FIG. 5 , multiple of the duct elements 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 areshown joined together. Each respective takeoff 8 is shown connected to arun 12 out to the diffuser or other device. These runs 12 may be madewith ridged duct or flexible duct or any other suitable duct.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects ofthe invention have been shown and described, the invention is notlimited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

1. A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) duct systemcomprising: a plurality of unitary duct elements, each having a uniformwidth, a uniform height, and a uniform length; each one of saidplurality of unitary duct elements comprising at least one takeoff,wherein each respective said at least one takeoff is placed in anidentical location on each respective one of said plurality of unitaryduct elements; each one of said plurality of unitary duct elementsconfigured to join to another at least one of said plurality of unitaryduct elements; and each of said takeoffs configured for connecting airsupply ducts to diffusers configured for providing conditioned air intoa space.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said uniform width and saiduniform height are equal, forming a square-shaped cross section.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said uniform length is five feet.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein each said respective one of said at least onetakeoff is centrally located along said uniform length of eachrespective one of said plurality of unitary duct elements.